The “Bonn & Melbourne Academy for Excellence in ImmunoSciences/Infection” (BM-AXIS) is a joint research and teaching program between the University of Bonn and The University of Melbourne. BM-AXIS is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to foster the exchange of scientists between The University of Melbourne and Bonn respectively. BM-AXIS builds on already existing collaborations between both institutions, as represented in the joint PhD program “Bonn & Melbourne Research and Graduate School Immunosciences” (IRTG 2168). This graduate training group was established in 2016 and is funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG). IRTG students work with eminent mentors at both universities: they spend 2 years at home and 1 year at the partner institution. This joint PhD program in immunology focuses on topics related to “Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity”.

Through establishment of BM-AXIS it is now possible to expand our network of scientific expertise between Melbourne and Bonn beyond the currently existing PhD program. BM-AXIS enables the exchange of academics at all career levels (postdoctoral researchers, research fellows and professors) and in doing so, our scientists have the opportunity to build collaborative partnerships through placements of up to three months in research laboratories of The University of Melbourne. The program also enables academics to partake in shorter exchanges of up to two weeks for joint teaching activities (scientific workshops, seminars and tutorials), thereby further promoting an active dialogue between lecturers, researchers and students.

Deepening bilateral research and teaching activities within the main research areas shared between the University of Bonn and The University of Melbourne, which include immunology, ophthalmology, infectious and inflammatory diseases, neurosciences and oncology, remains a vital focus to further strengthen existing collaborations. These synergies also offer opportunities to integrate additional clinical and translational research projects.

Collectively, BM-AXIS provides a unique opportunity for scientists at all career levels to add an international dimension to their research experience and to benefit from excellent research opportunities in the vibrant and stimulating scientific environment of the prestigious Melbourne University. Importantly, BM-AXIS further contributes to a sustainable, bilateral relationship in teaching- and research and enhances the international position of both Universities within medical research.

Prof. Christian Kurts (Medical & Experimental Immunology) and Prof. Robert Finger (Ophthalmology) are the spokespersons of BM-AXIS in Germany. Associate Professor Sammy Bedoui (Department of Microbiology and Immunology; The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity) is the spokesman in Melbourne, Australia.